Nightingales appoints management team as new directors

From left to right: Kim Thomas, Donna Roche and Joanna Nykiel – Nightingales’ new directors

Nightingales, a family led company that has been providing care to the elderly for over 30 years has appointed three of its senior management team as directors; Donna Roche, head of homecare, Kim Thomas manager of Nettlestead care home in Bromley, and Joanna Nykiel who heads up Priors Mead care home in Reigate.

Founders Nick and Sarah Bruce adopted an employee ownership model three years ago giving each member of Nightingales the opportunity to earn a stake in the company. Nick said, “As part of the journey in transitioning to employee ownership we are preparing for a new leadership team too. Sarah and I have very much enjoyed our roles over the last 30 years but we recognise that having created a company that works to family values, always doing the right thing first and working out how to do it profitably second, we needed to find a team who share our values and beliefs. Who better than the senior management team who have already shown themselves more than able, and repeatedly demonstrated they think as we do? Whilst this starts the beginning of a handover process that is likely to take a number of years, we feel sure we are entrusting the future of the company to three safe pairs of hands.”

Commenting on her directorship Kim Thomas said “I would never have imagined that I would still be with Nightingales after 26 years. I’m very grateful to have had all the opportunities I have been given within the organisation and could not be more proud of being made a director.”

Joanna Nykiel added, “My journey with Nightingales started nine years ago when I was recruited as housekeeper and worked my way up through nearly every position in the company. That experience has proved invaluable and I know it will stand me in good stead for this new responsibility. I feel very privileged and excited about the future.”

Donna Roche who is the head of home care which provides support to the elderly at home in the Bromley, Croydon and Reigate areas said, “Working with both Nick and Sarah and experiencing their energy and drive has really inspired me. This has given me a lot of personal satisfaction and determination to help take Nightingales forward. We are very team-driven, and we operate in a way that puts collective goals ahead of individual glory.

I have always been encouraged to stretch myself, improve my knowledge and develop new skills. I think that in the care industry which does not always enjoy the best reputation it’s extremely refreshing to find a culture like Nightingales.”

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